← Best suburbs near Boston

Boxborough vs Stow

Two popular MA suburbs of Boston, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.

School rating
9/10
8/10
Commute to Boston
70 min
68 min
Median home price
$650K
$796K
Annual property tax
$8K
$10K
Walk score
18
18
Density
suburban
suburban

Summary: Boxborough leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on school rating, median home price, annual property tax. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.

Character & vibe

Boxborough

Acton-Boxborough Regional SD is jointly served — and it is exceptional. Boxborough is the low-density, large-lot town in the Acton corridor that offers more space at a slight premium. Quiet, forested, and sought after.

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Stow

Nashoba Valley Winery and Assabet River Rail Trail. Stow is the winery suburb — Nashoba Valley has been a weekend destination for 30 years. Top schools, large lots, and genuine rural character.

communityspacequiet

Who should pick which?

Pick Boxborough if you...

  • ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
  • ·Need to keep your home budget in check
  • ·Want lower annual property taxes

Pick Stow if you...

  • ·Want the shortest commute to Boston
  • ·Drawn to the community character

Still deciding?

Burbia scores both Boxborough and Stow — and every other town in the Boston Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.

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